What happened
On October 6, 2015, a SZD-9 bis "Bocian" 1E glider was conducting training flights at the Jeżów Sudecki (EPJS) aerodrome using aero-tow and winch launch methods. The flight began with a takeoff from the lower southern runway (DS 5), intended to culminate in a landing on the main runway (DS 1) at the summit of Góra Szybowcowa.
After reaching an altitude of 300 meters above the mountain summit, the pilot released from the tow plane and began a landing pattern. While evaluating meteorological conditions—noting a tailwind component for a landing toward the slope—the pilot determined the altitude was too high and executed an additional circuit. Upon completing the fourth turn and transitioning to the final approach, the glider remained at an excessive altitude. Despite the pilot applying full airbrake deflection, the aircraft did not level its flight path until it reached the midpoint of the runway.
Upon touchdown, the glider failed to dissipate sufficient speed. Fearing a collision with obstacles after passing the mountain summit, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to the right toward an empty northern slope. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck the ground, causing the glider to spin and slide approximately 70 meters down the slope. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, fuselage, wingtip, and rear skid.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Aeroklub Jeleniogórski, confirmed that the SZD-9 bis "Bocian" 1E was in sound technical condition prior to the flight. The pilot, aged 48, held a valid glider pilot license with authorizations for aero-tow and winch launch operations, with a total flight time of 126 hours.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an excessively high approach to landing.
- The pilot's attempt to avoid obstacles by turning toward the northern slope led to the wingtip strike and subsequent ground loop.